Simon Cowell has told how he drinks alcohol to enter a "calm place" and come up with his TV ideas.
The X Factor and Britain's Got Talent boss (54), said that "one or two in the morning" helped spark his creativity.
In an interview to promote X Factor stage musical I Can't Sing!, Cowell said he could not quit smoking.
"If I tried to cut out cigarettes completely, I would have a real problem: too boring. It's the same with drinking."
But the new father added: "I'm pretty good at cutting back when I need to."
He added: "I always think there is a time in your day when you can be creative.
"For me, one or two in the morning, couple of vodka and limes, couple of cigarettes, I'm in a calm place. I can think."
HNEWS@HERALD.IE